American Theater Dance Workshop - Mineola, New York

Lindsey Rinaudo

My 8 year old daughter attends ATDW and I cannot say enough good things about the studio, the teachers or the owners. ATDW and the owners Michelle and Jerome could not be more different from the typical LI dance school. If you’re looking for a studio where your child can learn from real experts (not just graduated former students), be groomed like professionals, be surrounded with positive & supportive influence and make great friends (both kids and parents!) - this is the place.

For a brief background, my daughter started ballet classes at 3 years old at another school. We liked the school but the variation of classes beyond ballet was limited and we felt the most attention was given to competition dancers. If you weren’t on the competition team or being groomed for it, you were not a priority. I’ve since heard from many friends that this is the case across many Long Island dance schools where the focus is on competition or the end of year recital. This is NOT the case at ATDW. This past fall my daughter attended an open house where she quickly fell in love with the studio, enrolled in 4 classes and has never looked back!

To say my daughter's experience moving to ATDW has been transformational would be an understatement. Before moving to ATDW, she liked to dance but felt very insecure about her body, being very tall for her age and a bigger build. She was also struggling with some bullies in school and we were dealing with the typical elementary-school afternoon battles over homework, snacks, screens, etc. The changes we’ve seen in my daughter since moving to ATDW go well beyond her dance capabilities.

The kindness and encouragement she has experienced from Michelle, Jerome, Miss Wendy, Miss Olivia and Miss Allie have given her a true passion for all things dance and performance. Her passion and love for attending ATDW have given her a shocking level of motivation for an 8 year old. Knowing she needs to leave for ATDW, she is motivated to do her homework right after school and she has a positive, active understanding of how to be healthy and take care of her body so she can feel better dancing. Her sense of self confidence has exploded in ways that have extended well beyond after-school dance – in her reading, her grades, her friendships and in-school activities.

Perhaps most importantly, my daughter has met and made friends with kind and wonderful fellow performers/dancers whose parents clearly share the same values we do: kindness over competition, the value and joy of performance, respect, responsibility and confidence. The dancers and families that are part of ATDW feel like a community, particularly for students who take more than one class. Passing each other in the hallways before/after, they make friends with older/younger kids they aren’t even in class with. The older dancers are positive and supportive role models for the younger dancers. The amount of joy they all have seeing each other is so sweet and at points comical… they hug each other like they haven’t seen each other in weeks.

ATDW is truly my daughter’s favorite place now. She ended the 22-23 season enrolled in 5 classes and participating in the production of Alice in Wonderland. Looking forward to next season, she’s now asking to add more. She can’t get enough. We are so thankful for this studio and for the community of dancers and parents that Michelle and Jerome have created. Thank you, ATDW!

Karen Flayhart

My daughter has had a fantastic experience at ATDW. She is passionate about theater and dance and they offer so many opportunities for her to learn and grow- and meet other students that share her dream of Broadway. Her dance has improved and it’s so refreshing to find a studio that cares about its students and the art- not just dance competition trophies. She has also found that the people here have been nothing but welcoming and supportive. If you are looking for a studio that isn’t just focused on winning, this is the place to go.

Alison Andrews

Deciding to send my girls to American Theatre Dance Workshop is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only are Jerome and Michelle true professionals and masters of their craft, but they are genuinely great people who care about each and every child training at their studio. In the past year, my daughters have learned more technique than they have in the prior 6 years with another studio, and they are having a blast while doing it. There aren’t enough good words I can say. ATDW is a class operation all around.

Christine Randazzo

My daughter has been dancing at ATDW for several years, and loves every minute of the multiple hours she spends there every week. The teachers are extraordinary, with caliber way beyond what I've experienced at other schools in the area, but also are encouraging and supportive. Michelle and Jerome, the owners, foster a wonderful environment that is reinforced by the the older students, who have been so kind and act as role models for my daughter. Summer camp is also amazing and a great way for students to have fun and hone their skills. Adult classes are a great workout for inexperienced and experienced dancers alike. We look forward to being a part of the ATDW community for years to come!

Barbara Juhel

We have been a part of the ATDW family for over 15 years and I cannot say strongly enough how grateful we feel to have found this school. The level of professionalism and care exhibited by the owners is extremely high. They are always available, responsive, flexible and eager to do their best for every student. Their reputations and backgrounds on Broadway and in world-renowned ballet companies enable them to bring in the best instructors who approach dance with a seriousness of purpose along with a true love of dance and for their students. They take great care to place students appropriately for their skill level to avoid injury and ensure progress. Our daughters have taken classes up to 10 hours a week and, while learning to perform with grace and skill, have loved every minute. Not only have they developed self-confidence and poise, but they have made close friendships that extend outside of the dance school. The state-of-the-art studio is beautiful, and has been a real haven during Covid because of the owners' extraordinary efforts to keep everyone safe. I give this school my highest recommendation for dancers of all ages and levels. You will be warmly welcomed and thrilled with the talents the remarkable teachers bring out in your children!

Katelyn Harold

The most comfortable and safe space for dancers of all ages to grow and flourish into professional performers! Excellent classes with top rated teachers in all areas of dance, and really great networking opportunities for young theatre artists.

Debbie Volk

ATDW is more than a dance studio. It is a place for your child or teen to make friends, feel connected and at home. I cannot thank the owners of the studio and the dance teachers enough for the positive impact they had on my child. Highly recommend.

Amy Hanlon

We just moved onto the Island and I was looking for a home for theater and dance for my two children. American Theater Dance Workshop was just that! Amazing faculty, guest artists and space, but more importantly, the professional, caring and thoughtful environment Jerome and Michelle create, within that space. We have found our theater home and currently enjoy musical theater, ballet to Broadway, tap, jazz and even hip hop for my eight year old son! BRAVO!